STOLEN: Wilkinson's Financial Services Office in High Street, Ruskington, was attacked by burglars using a fork-lift truck type machine. Substantial damage was caused to the front of the premises and the ATM machine was stolen.

THE front of a shop in Ruskington has been demolished by a fork-lift truck used to steal a cash point machine.

At around 1.45am yesterday, Tuesday, Wilkinson's Financial Services Office in High Street, Ruskington, was attacked by burglars using a fork-lift truck. Substantial damage was caused to the front of the premises and the ATM machine was stolen.

This was one of four incidents involving cash machines in the county in a four-hour period.

Lincolnshire Police say that this and another attack on a cash machine in Market Deeping are not connected and may have been committed by two separate criminal gangs.

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In that incident, at about 3am, offenders broke into Norwich and Peterborough in the town's Market Place. They broke into the back of the ATM machine and stole a quantity of cash.

But officers say early indications suggest that the two other incidents that night may be linked and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

At around 11pm on Monday, offenders broke into the petrol station at Morrisons in Heapham Road, Gainsborough. They were disturbed by the police and it is unclear if anything was stolen.

It is is believed they were trying to get to the safe. A black Audi saloon was used to make a getaway after they were disturbed by the police.

Then, just after midnight, offenders also broke into M and D convenience store in Main Street, Claypole and stoke a quantity of cigarettes, believed to be worth about £3,000.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Davies said: "It is vital that anyone who saw these crimes take place, or who saw vehicles in the area at the time of the offences, gets in touch with us as soon as possible. Please call us even if you think the information you have is insignificant – it could be vital to our investigation."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information about it should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.